Waters’ path of least resistance to winning an unprecedented fifth SW-Motech Superbike title was always going to come in the battle for grid positions, and the script went perfectly to plan for the McMartin Racing Ducati star.

Read our Round 7 report here…

Waters qualified in fifth, but with arch-rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46) unable to secure pole position, Waters took a 50p lead into Sunday’s two 11-lap races.

Even if Jones won both battles and Waters didn’t score any points – extremely unlikely for such a well-drilled champion – Waters would still win the championship on a countback. With the numbers falling his way, it was a super Saturday for Waters, who won his first Superbike title in 2009, followed by further successes in 2012, 2017 and 2024.

After three decades of Aussie Superbike brilliance, Waters still can’t fully comprehend what he has achieved. “When I started road racing, I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think, ‘Will I ever be like that’?,” said Waters, referencing the former three-time Superbike champion (2000-2002).

“Now to win five titles against such a high level of competition means so much. This year has been really special. I’ve got such a great team and crew around me, and everyone at home is such a big support: my wife, my family, my training partners. It just means so much.”

Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65) started from pole in the SW-Motech Superbike races and was joined on the front row by Jones and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Honda #20). There was plenty of action across the other ASBK classes on the Saturday, including Kawasaki Supersport, where Archie McDonald (#69) earned pole with two-time British Superbike champion and Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Kyle Ryde (#666) alongside him.

Races also began in the Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters classes on Saturday, with a dominant Beau Beaton (#86) crowned early in the latter after a faultless campaign.

SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE

The equation was simple for the SW-Motech Superbike battle to move into a live Sunday rubber: Jones had to secure his fourth pole position at The Bend. He was seemingly on track for exactly just that until the last three minutes of qualifying when Halliday produced a searing 1:50.028 – under the current lap record and only just adrift of the best-ever lap – to become the ultimate spoiler.

Jones didn’t have time to muster a counter-offensive, much to the delight of a jubilant Waters. It was Halliday’s fourth pole in Superbike, and his first since 2023, as he got to grips with his new Ducati after a mid-year switch from Yamaha. “It’s taken a little bit to get used to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha for years,” said Halliday. “It’s been about changing habits and riding the Ducati a whole different way, but it’s finally paid off at a very good time.”

Meanwhile, Nahlous was a revelation in only his second ASBK meeting on the Honda, with the Sydneysider returning to a happy hunting ground after winning the Supersport title at The Bend in 2024. Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11), Waters and Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha #3) lined up on row two, followed by Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha #13) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha #27).

KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN

McDonald’s sixth pole position in Kawasaki Supersport came without too much fuss, which included a new Supersport best lap of 1:54.271. Ryde was next, followed by BCperformance Kawasaki duo Olly Simpson (#5) and Hayden Nelson (#279), Will Nassif (Omega Yamaha #65), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) and Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha #71).

Championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha #37) put himself in the danger zone, starting from the third row of the grid as he defended a 23pt buffer over the in-form McDonald. Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati #7) was the fastest Supersport Next Gen rider – and, in fact, the fastest on track by a wafer-thin 0.001 seconds over McDonald.

RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300

Races got underway in both Race and Road Supersport 300 and the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, with Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha #11) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha #41) the respective victors. In Supersport 300, Lazos’ path to a maiden victory opened up after Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki #42) crashed out while holding a healthy lead. Lazos grasped the golden opportunity and won by 3.5 seconds ahead of polesitter and 2025 champion Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki #1), followed by Thompson, Tyler King (Kawasaki #128), Matthew Ritter (Yamaha #23) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha #33).

While Nicholson has an insurmountable lead, the battle for second in the championship was still a tight battle between Jordy Simpson, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki #95), King and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66) with two races remaining. Jake Paige (Kawasaki) remained in second but was swallowed up by the pack as he wasn’t competing at The Bend. Thompson prevailed in a signature tight and tough R3 Cup scrum from Mitch Simpson, Lazos, Phoenix O’Brien (385 #85) and Jordy Simpson.

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

It was a nine-bike rolling scrum in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one, with the riders separated by less than a second after the five-lapper.

Xavier Curmi (#82) scored maximum points from Ghage Plowman (#27), Connor Lewis (#77), Hunter Charlett (#73), Rossi McAdam (#61), Chaz Williams (#18), Thomas Cameron (#23), Krue Knight (#46) and Charlie Nichols (#22).

Lewis now led Williams by 6pts, while McAdam, Curmi and Charlett would likewise battle it out until the very end for third place in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship.\

SUPERBIKE MASTERS

The same trifecta in both Superbike Masters races on Saturday, as Beau Beaton (Ducati), Ben Burke (Honda #60) and Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati #17) dominated. Beaton was on another level, setting a new lap record and wrapping up the series with one race to spare.

Sunday

Superstars Josh Waters and Mike Jones again rose to the occasion as the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concluded at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9.

After absorbing intense pressure from rookie revelation Jonathan Nahlous, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters was victorious in race one on his McMartin Racing Ducati before Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) won the turf war in the season-ending battle.

The pair finished the day equal on points, but Jones was awarded the overall after his higher placing in race two. Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda) was third overall after his 2-2 scorecard. “The race two victory definitely put a smile on my face,” said Jones. “It’s been a tough weekend, but a special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for all its efforts not only at The Bend but all year long. I’m excited to be back with Yamaha in 2026 as we chase another ASBK championship.”

Between them, Waters and Jones won 15 of the 17 Superbike races in 2025, with Waters finishing the Superbike title on 381pts ahead of Jones on 331pts. Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) was third in the championship on 303pts, which included the veteran’s first Superbike race win at Phillip Island.

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

With the pressure meter dialled down and the passion meter dialled up, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters powered to a start-to-finish victory. It was Waters’ 10th win of the season and his 43rd in Superbike. Waters’ only hiccup was a slight mistake on lap six, which allowed Nahlous and Jones to close back up on him, but the veteran was soon back into a steely rhythm to win by nearly half a second.

Nahlous was a brilliant second – his best rookie result – ahead of Jones, who ran wide at turn one on the last lap, which scuppered his chances of putting extra pressure on his rival. West was fourth from Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Ducati #14), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha). Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) both went down, the latter shortly after setting a new lap record of 1:50.035.

Race One Results

1. Josh Waters
2. Jonathan Nahlous (+0.476)
3. Mike Jones (+1.093)
4. Anthony West (7.936)
5. Cameron Dunker (+12.532)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

It was Jones at his metronomic best, moving into the lead on lap three and then controlling proceedings from the front to win his fifth race of the season. Including his two podiums today, Jones now has eight top-three finishes in the last 12 Superbike races at The Bend. The race was held over a shortened nine laps after the first attempt was red-flagged due to an oil spill at turn 17, and in the restart, Nahlous got the jump while Waters was well back after his worst start of the year.

Waters slowly began to move forward, but his advance would end at third place. West, Pearson and Dunker completed the top six from a fast-starting Stauffer and Allerton, while a bitterly disappointed Halliday didn’t make the restart after a mechanical issue.

Dunker finished fourth in the championship on 246pts from Allerton (241pts) and rookie of the year Nahlous (239pts).

The five-round 2026 ASBK Championship commences at Phillip Island from February 20-22, before transitioning into a summer calendar in 2027.

Race Two Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Jonathan Nahlous (+1.008)
3. Josh Waters (+1.640)
4. Anthony West (7.446)
5. Broc Pearson (+8.380)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 381 Points
2. Mike Jones – 331 Points
3. Anthony West – 303 Points
4. Cameron Dunker – 246 Points
5. Glenn Allerton – 241 Points

Kawasaki Supersport

Victorian Jack Mahaffy is the 2025 Kawasaki Australian Supersport champion, keeping his powder dry in the final round at The Bend (SA) on November 9 to complete a magical season for the Stop and Seal Yamaha rider. Mahaffy curbed his normal competitive instincts with a 5-8 scorecard at the high-stakes grand finale, but it was more than enough to hold off teammate Archie McDonald (2-2) in the final championship standings.

Both races at The Bend were won by reigning two-time British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde, with the 28-year-old displaying his class on yet another Stop and Seal Yamaha. Mahaffy finished the seven-round season on 294pts, ahead of McDonald (282), Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 270), Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 206) and Tom Bramich (Yamaha, 194 #44).

As with most championship successes, the bedrock of Mahaffy’s campaign was extraordinary consistency, with the 24-year-old finishing on the podium in 12 of the 13 races before The Bend and with no DNFs – which then gave him the luxury of not having to push the envelope on the run home.“I’ve been thinking about the championship non-stop since the last round at One Raceway,” said Mahaffy. “I don’t think I’ve been pushed so hard in my life as I was this year, both on and off the track, so hats off to Archie and Olly. When Stop and Seal took me in two years ago, I was a very different rider and person. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we got the job done, and what they’ve (Stop and Seal bosses Claire and Robbie) done for the sport is incredible. Of course, if the championship wasn’t on the line today, I would have wanted my piece of the fun at the front. But I’m a true believer you ride to your circumstances, and if the championship was really on the line, then it would have been me and Archie battling.”

The first Supersport race at The Bend was a short and sharp five-lap affair after the first attempt was red-flagged following a crash at turn 17.

In the restart, Simpson, Ryde and Tom Toparis (riding in the Supersport Next Gen class on a Stop and Seal Ducati) all took turns at the front before Ryde reasserted his authority on the final lap – one where McDonald set a new record of 1:54.270 as he made a late charge. Toparis was second across the line from McDonald, Simpson, Nelson and Mahaffy.

Race two was over the full nine-lap distance, and it was a cracker, with the lap record lowered on multiple occasions (now owned by McDonald with 1:53.724) and the major combatants pushing hard for the final time in 2025. Ryde led most of the second half before McDonald passed the BSB star under brakes on the final lap. However, McDonald went in a little too hot, which allowed Ryde to regain the ascendancy.

The pair broke from the pack with their late speed, while Toparis was third from Simpson, Nelson, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Will Nassif (Omega Racing Yamaha), race one faller Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha) and Mahaffy.

“The first couple of laps with Archie in the final race was a bit like racing against Tommy (Bridewell in BSB) in 2024 when we both had to win to take the championship,” said Ryde, who will now continue his trip Down Under on a golf pilgrimage. “A few of the moves were probably not acceptable, but it was more fun than anything! Race two had everything: a dogfight at the start, there were lap records broken and everyone got back safe. I’ve had a great weekend, and the track is fun to ride. I also love the R6: I ride one all the time to keep fit and to practice on, so I know it inside out. But that was my complete maximum: I couldn’t go faster than that!”

Round Results

1. Kyle Ryde – 50 Points
2. Archie McDonald – 41 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 36 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 34 Points
5. Jake Farnsworth – 31 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 294 Points
2. Archie McDonald – 282 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 270 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 206 Points
5. Tom Bramich – 194 Points

ShopYamaha R3 Cup

A second ASBK title was decided in South Australia, with Mitch Simpson winning the 2025 ShopYamaha R3 Cup.

Hudson Thompson, Valentino Knezovic (#48) and – fittingly – Simpson won the three races at The Bend, with the finale an almighty scrap as riders let it all hang out in the final battle of the season.

Simpson completed the four-round, 12-race season on 203pts from his younger brother Jordy Simpson (186), Thompson (171), Phoenix O’Brien (161), John Pelgrave (161 #43) and Nikolas Lazos (157) – the latter in title contention until he was injured in a Supersport 300 crash on Sunday morning.

Championship Points

1. Mitch Simpson – 203 Points
2. Jordy Simpson – 186 Points
3. Hudson Thompson – 175 Points
4. Phoenix O’Brien -161 Points
5. John Pelgrave – 157 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

In Race and Road Supersport 300 – which had already been wrapped up by Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) at the previous round – it was a smaller program after Sunday’s race two was abandoned due to time constraints after a multi-bike crash on lap three. Nicholson (2-4) was the overall winner from Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 10-1) and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha, 6-2).

Nauta clearly had the most impressive pace all weekend, checking out in race one before a crash on lap six – with Lazos (Yamaha) taking full advantage to win his first Supersport 300 race in front of Nicholson and Thompson. In the shortened race three, Nauta was in a class of his own, while Mitch Simpson was second from Tyler King (Kawasaki).

Nicholson’s final championship margin was a resounding 103pts (378 to 275) over Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), and then King (263), Mitch Simpson (261), Jake Paige (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 260) and Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 256).

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 378 Points
2. Jordy Simpson – 275 Points
3. Tyler King – 263 Points
4. Mitch Simpson – 261 Points
5. Jake Paige – 260 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

As far as edge-of-the-seat thrillers go, it doesn’t get any better! The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) concluded in dramatic circumstances at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9, with the championship fight coming down to the final lap of the season between Connor Lewis and Chaz Williams. Both riders were in the leading pack a few corners from home in race three before Williams’ challenge evaporated when he was cannoned into by another machine which had gone down.

Lewis then finished third to turn around a 1pt deficit into a 17pt championship victory over Williams after one of the most thrilling seasons in the seven-year history of the OJC. Lewis finished on 324pts after six rounds, from Williams (307), Rossi McAdam (293), Xavier Curmi (277) and Hunter Charlett (274).

The final OJC round was held alongside the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul, with the expansive layout of The Bend delivering myriad slipstreaming opportunities for the YZF-R15 riders.

A strong wind on the weekend provided some challenges, though, but the racing was still typically tight and uncompromising, with a combined winning margin of 0.193 seconds over the three races. McAdam (5-2-1) was the overall winner from Curmi (1-5-4) and Lewis (3-3-3), with Ghage Plowman (second in race one) and polesitter Williams (victory in race two) also amongst it.

Lewis now joins an illustrious list of OJC winners, starting with Carter Thompson in 2019, followed by Marianos Nikolis (2020), Cameron Swain (2021), Harrison Watts (2022), Archie Schmidt (2023) and Hunter Corney (2024).

Championship Points

1. Connor Lewis – 324 Points
2. Chaz Williams – 307 Points
3. Rossi McAdam – 293 Points
4. Xavi Curmi – 277 Points
5. Hunter Charlett – 274 Points

Superbike Masters

Beau Beaton (Ducati 851) stormed to another clean sweep to remain undefeated throughout the season. His final tally was a perfect 250pts from Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati TT2 992, 173) and Phil Allen (Ducati 851, 153 #35).

At The Bend, Beaton, Ben Burke (Honda VRF750R) and Berti Mendez claimed the trifecta in all four five-lap races, with Beaton setting a new lap record of 1:58.457 to put the icing on the cake. Beaton also took home the P6 Formula 1300cc class honours, and the other class winners were Allen (P6 Formula 750cc), Berti Mendez (P5 F1) and Patrick Povolny (Suzuki GSX1100, P5 Unlimited #4).

Championship Points

1. Beau Beaton – 250 Points
2. Michael Berti Mendez – 173 Points
3. Phil Allen Ducati – 153 Points
4. Phillip Burke Honda – 143 Points
5. Ben Burke – 136 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here.

The post ASBK Round Eight | Josh Waters secures fifth Australian Superbike appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Friday/Saturday

Still clinging to a faint hope of clinching the SW-Motech Superbike title from runaway leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati #1), the Queenslander displayed his customary dash – and even more – on the Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1, obliterating his previous One Raceway qualifying mark to bank his 18th premier class pole position ahead of teen star Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha Racing Team #3). Waters would start from third on the grid for Sunday’s two 20-lap races.

Read our previous ASBK round reports here…

Under clear skies and with Friday’s fierce crosswinds gone, qualifying and race records tumbled at One Raceway across all the classes, including Kawasaki Supersport, where Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha #69) reigned supreme as he continues to make a late lunge at championship success.

The opening races were also held in the Race and Road Supersport 300 and BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup classes on Saturday, complete with their usual level of jaw-dropping unpredictability and first-time winners in Riley Nauta (#42) and Ghage Plowman (#27).

SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE

Jones and Dunker owned SW-Motech Superbike qualifying, with Dunker setting the early pace before Jones hit the front with a brilliant 58.420. “I treat every weekend the same, and that’s doing the best I can,” said Jones. “I’m feeling really comfortable on my bike, which is always great when that happens. I know the racing is going to be really close and tough on a track like this, but I’m ready for it.”

Dunker’s second place on the grid (58.707) was his best qualifying performance in two years of Superbike competition, while Waters (58.768) lurked in third after inching his way up the order during the last five minutes. As expected, Goulburn hometown hero Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17, 58.772) started to make his move after methodically chipping away on setup, and he lead the second row from 2024 race one winner Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11, 58.799) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha #13, 58.921), who’s locked in combat with Jones for second in the championship. The top eight was completed by Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65, 58.986) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33, 59.040).

KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN

Archie McDonald continued from where he left off on Friday, transferring his impeccable Kawasaki Supersport practice form into the qualifying arena on his Stop and Seal Yamaha YZF-R6.

After producing a masterful 1:00.138 in the first qualifying session – eclipsing his previous best lap by over 0.2 seconds – he used the second outing more for race simulation purposes in preparation for Sunday’s two 16-lappers. McDonald’s pole position, which included a $500 bonus cheque from Michelin, was his second in 2025 and his fifth in the last two seasons.

McDonald completed qualifying ahead of teammates Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha #37) and Tom Toparis (Ducati #7) aboard his Supersport Next Gen machine. Then it was the BCperformance Kawasakis of Hayden Nelson (#279) and Olly Simpson (#5) – the latter set to come under attack from McDonald for second in the championship, while Nelson will be looking to replicate his double podium from 2024.

Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) started from the final spot on row two, with Tommy Edwards (Team BWR Yamaha #71), Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda #13) and Will Nassif (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #65) on row three.

RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300

A Champions Ride Days Kawasaki quinella in Race and Supersport 300 race one, as a spritely Riley Nauta broke away from the main pack to score a runaway three-second victory over teammate – and fellow junior dirt track gun – Jake Paige (#55). It was Nauta’s first victory in the category.

Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha #48) was third, while Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki #39) inched closer to winning the championship at One Raceway with his seventh place. Polesitter Jai Russo (Yamaha #132) was fourth from Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha #11), Tyler King (Kawasaki #128), Nicholson and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66), with Nicholson also setting a new lap record of 1:05.710.

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

Another crackerjack contest between the Yamaha YZF-R15 brigade, as Ghage Plowman scored his first win in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup, followed in quick succession by Rossi McAdam (#61) and championship leader Connor Lewis (#77).

The top 11 riders were separated by 1.8 seconds, with Thomas Cameron (#23), Hunter Charlett (#73) and Xavier Curmi (#82) filling positions 3-6.

Sunday

A brilliant performance by Mike Jones at One Raceway has incredibly kept alive the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) until the final round in November.

The Queenslander was at his silky-smooth best on October 5 as he won both SW-Motech Superbike races – his 26th and 27th in the ASBK ranks – from pole position on his Yamaha Racing Team machine around the tight and twisty Goulburn circuit. Meanwhile, Jones’ heroics also coincided with the lowest scoring round of the season for championship leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati).

Waters posted a 5-5 scorecard, which allowed Jones to slash Waters’ lead to 50pts (338 to 288), down from 69pts at the start of the weekend. A maximum of 51pts are available at The Bend from November 7-9, so it’s clearly still Waters’ championship to lose.

However, Jones is remaining upbeat. “It’s been a really good feeling today, so special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for putting in such a big effort to give me a great motorbike,” said Jones. “It was really special to get two wins for them. I’ll just keep the championship alive and roll onto the next one and see how we go.”

At One Raceway, Jones defeated the mightily impressive 17-year-old Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha Racing Team) in both races after soaking up relentless pressure, while Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared the third places.

West remains third in the championship on 269pts, while Dunker (215pts) slingshotted into fourth past Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14, 213pts) and Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 212pts).

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

Dunker’s form at One Raceway in 2024 was top-shelf, and this year he took it to the next level as he led race one until lap eight before Jones – fully aware passing opportunities were at a premium – slipped past the teen after he ran slightly wide at turn two. Jones then put down the hammer for a few laps to weaken Dunker’s resolve, with the final winning margin just under 2.5 seconds.

Herfoss, whose return to his former home track began in measured fashion on Friday, flicked into combat mode when it really mattered, fending off the slow-starting West to finish third. Herfoss also set a new lap record of 58.776 to show he’s lost none of the spark that took him to three Superbike titles, the last in 2023. Waters was fifth, circulating near the front throughout but just unable to find a way past his main rivals.

The top 10 was completed by Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Pearson, Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda #20) and Allerton. Nahlous was riding a replacement machine after his first bike was badly damaged earlier in the weekend.

Race One Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Cameron Dunker (+2.492)
3. Troy Herfoss (+5.578)
4. Anthony West (5.637)
5. Josh Waters (5.760)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

Riders were greeted with slightly tougher conditions in the afternoon, including a higher track temperature and a stiff breeze – but no-one told Dunker, who broke Herfoss’ hours-old lap record to set a new benchmark of 58.626. That was on lap five as he tried to keep Jones in his orbit as both riders cleared away from the main pack in the shortened 10-lapper – the first attempt red-flagged after Favelle went down hard at turn four.

With the leaders firmly ensconced at the front, West slotted into third ahead of Herfoss, Waters and Halliday, and that’s how they remained for the balance of the race. Nahlous was seventh from Pearson, Allerton and John Lytras (Caboolture Yamaha #308).

Race Two Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Cameron Dunker (+0.117)
3. Anthony West (3.528)
4. Troy Herfoss (+4.819)
5. Josh Waters (4.906)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 338 Points
2. Mike Jones – 288 Points
3. Anthony West – 269 Points
4. Cameron Dunker – 215 Points
5. Glenn Allerton – 213 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here.

Kawasaki Supersport

It was 2024 all over again at One Raceway, as Stop and Seal teammates Jack Mahaffy and Archie McDonald shared victories and second places in Kawasaki Supersport, with the latter winning overall courtesy of his bonus point for pole position on Saturday. Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 4-3) was third overall, which means the championship will go down to the wire at The Bend from November 7-9 with Mahaffy leading on 265pts from McDonald (241) and Simpson (234).

Meanwhile, the Supersport Next Gen class was again held in conjunction with Kawasaki Supersport, with Goulburn’s very own hard-charger Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) easily accounting for Luca Durning (DesmoSport Ducati #21) in both races as well as finishing 2-3 amongst all the runners.

In race one, an early bingle for Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) – who would also go down (and remount) in race two in a dirty day for the 2024 One Raceway double podium finisher – brought out the red flag, and in the 15-lap restart, McDonald got the perfect jump from pole before the back end of his Yamaha skipped out a few corners later and he ran off the circuit, rejoining in 17th.

He immediately began carving his way back through the pack, with a new lap record of 1:00.155 on lap five an indication of his haste. McDonald’s early error opened the door for Mahaffy, and he seized his opportunity by hitting the lead and checking out, with Toparis second from McDonald, Tom Edwards (Team BWR Yamaha), Simpson, Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda), Tom Bramich (Apex Yamaha #44) and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha).

Jake Farnsworth (Worth Race Developments Yamaha) and Will Nassif (Yamaha) were among the three DNFs after the former crashed and Nassif was caught up as collateral damage. Race two saw three leaders – Toparis (laps 1-5), Mahaffy (6-7) and McDonald (8-16) – as the trio made it an intra-team scrimmage. McDonald held out Mahaffy by 0.214 seconds in a tense final lap, with Toparis third from Simpson, Hamod, Edwards, Farnsworth and Bramich. Bramich (184pts) moved onto fourth in the standings at the expense of Nelson (172) at One Raceway, while Farnsworth (162) is sixth.

Round Results

1. Archie Mcdonald – 46 Points
2. Jack Mahaffy – 45 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 35 Points
4. Tom Edwards – 34 Points
5. Marcos Hamod – 33 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 265 Points
2. Archie Mcdonald – 241 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 234 Points
4. Tom Bramich – 184 Points
5. Hayden Nelson – 172 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

Nicholson (Kawasaki) is the 2025 champion, building an insurmountable lead at One Raceway after his 7-4-4 finishes and a new lap record of 1:05.710. He now joins the likes of current Moto2 pilot Senna Agius and Dunker as recent Supersport 300 winners, in a season where his consistency has set him apart from the rest of the field: 13 podiums in 18 races, including five wins.

“The hard work behind the scenes to get here has been enormous, including Mum and Dad, who have supported me throughout my career and put in so much effort,” said an elated Nicholson, who’s also studying for a commerce degree. My partner and brothers also join me at all the race meetings, so everyone puts in a tonne of work.”

Nicholson (340pts) now heads to The Bend with the weight lifted off his shoulders. He’s ahead of Jake Paige (Kawasaki, 260pts), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 243pts), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 233pts) and Tyler King (Kawasaki, 228pts). Paige (2-1-1) was the overall winner at One Raceway ahead of teammate Riley Nauta (1-2-3) and Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha, 3-3-5), while Hudson Thompson (Yamaha #41) also finished on the podium with his second in race three.

Nauta’s victory in race one went against the normal Supersport 300 grain, with his margin over Paige a whopping 3.497 seconds. Normal service was then resumed in races two and three, with Page winning those by a combined 0.287 seconds.

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 340 Points
2. Jake Paige – 260 Points
3. Jordy Simpson – 243 Points
4. Tara Morrison – 233 Points
5. Tyler King – 228 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) continued at One Raceway from October 3-5, with the compact nature of the Goulburn circuit perfectly suited to the fleet of diminutive Yamaha YZF-R15s. And that equated to crackerjack entertainment, with three different winners – Ghage Plowman, Rossi McAdam and Chaz Willliams (#18) – a new lap record and the normal wafer-thin margins right through the 17-rider field.

In terms of standings, Williams clawed back precious points on Connor Lewis, which means we’re set for a grandstand finish at The Bend from November 7-9 to see who will become the seventh OJC champion since 2019. After strong and biting winds on Friday made it hard work for the OJC field – and the rest of the ASBK paddock for that matter – the riders were greeted with more benign conditions on Saturday for qualifying and race one. Williams was on pole, but in the opener it was Plowman, who won his first OJC race ahead of McAdam and Lewis.

It was then McAdam’s turn to shine in the first race on Sunday from Thomas Cameron and Hunter Charlett, although it was Lewis who set a new lap record of 1:14.968 in what was the fastest of the three races. Williams, who was 8-5 until that point, then went up a notch in race three to defeat Lewis and trim the championship gap back to 3pts. Third was McAdam, who took the round honours ahead of Williams and Cameron.

Championship Points

1. Connor Lewis – 270 Points
2. Chaz Williams – 267 Points
3. Rossi McAdam – 232 Points
4. Hunter Charlett – 223 Points
5. Xavi Curmi – 219 Points

The post ASBK Round Seven 2025 Report | Jones clean sweeps One Raceway appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

The reigning SW-Motech Superbike champion finished with a 1-2 scorecard on his McMartin Racing Ducati around the physically demanding 2.96km circuit, with Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 2-3 #11) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 3-4 #13) completing the dais.

Race one was particularly dramatic, with circuit guru Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46) retiring on lap four after his machine expired, which took all the pressure off Josh Waters as he cruised to the finish line. Jones’ comeback was emphatic in race two to make it three Morgan Park wins from the last four starts, but he’s now 53pts (215 to 162) behind Josh Waters at the halfway mark in the championship and with a mountain to climb to wrest momentum back from his long-time rival.

For Waters, it was a palpable sense of relief when he spoke in parc ferme at the end of race two. “I am just so happy with how this round has gone,” he said. “My history hasn’t been wonderful at Morgan Park, but to get pole, win race one, claim the overall and finish second to Mike (Jones) in race two is really satisfying.”

Read our previous ASBK news here…

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

Following Jones’ demise in the SW-Motech Superbike opener, all the pressure was off Waters, who just had to keep his powder dry to claim maximum points. He nailed that remit to win the 16-lapper by 2.7 seconds – his 40th victory in the Superbike class and the seventh in a massively impressive 2025 – from Pearson, who was involved in a ding-dong scrap for second with West and Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha #3).

And that was the order they finished in, with resourceful rookie Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33) fifth from Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team #27), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha #65). Meanwhile, young gun Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #20) was another race one casualty after crashing out.

Race One Results

1. Josh Waters
2. Broc Pearson (+2.740)
3. Anthony West (3.294)
4. Cameron Dunker (3.445)
5. Jack Favelle (+7.144)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

With Jones back in the mix, anticipation went up a notch in race two as Waters got the holeshot from West. Jones was third, and on lap three he eased past West and immediately set out in pursuit of Waters with his customary smooth and natural flow.

Two laps later, the pair were running line astern and threatening to eclipse Jones’ two-year-old lap record. That didn’t eventuate, but Jones did pass Waters on lap 12 to move into the lead. Waters was perfectly content to finish second, while Pearson was a gritty third after passing West and Favelle in the second half of the 16-lapper.

“That was a great race,” said Jones. “I put the hammer down to catch Josh (Waters). After I got past, the setup was working well on my Yamaha and I was able to push until the end of the race. “A big thanks to the team for getting my bike back into working order between races.”

Meanwhile, Dunker, Nahlous and Allerton filled positions 6-8 among the 15 finishers. West (158pts) is third in the championship from Pearson (129), Allerton (126), Stauffer (120), Dunker (119) and Nahlous (113). Next up for the SW-Motech fraternity is round five at Queensland Raceway from August 8-10 as the ASBK reunites with the Repco Supercars Championship for the first time since 2023 in Darwin.

Jones is also a potent force around Queensland Raceway, but it was Waters and Allerton who shared the winning spoils at the venue in May this year. The intrigue continues in what has been a stellar year of Superbike action.

Race Two Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Josh Waters (+2.936)
3. Broc Pearson (6.079)
4. Anthony West (6.824)
5. Jack Favelle (+7.232)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 215 Points
2. Mike Jones – 162 Points
3. Anthony West – 158 Points
4. Broc Pearson – 129 Points
5. Glenn Allerton – 126 Points

Kawasaki Supersport

Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha #69) returned from his latest European sojourn with more sting in the tail than ever, completing a perfect round with pole position, two race wins and a new lap record. Despite missing the last round at Queensland Raceway, McDonald’s now moved back up to second in the standings on 160pts, behind teammate Jack Mahaffy (186 #37) and in front of BCperformance Kawasaki duo Olly Simpson (154 #5) and Hayden Nelson (130 #279).

Mahaffy (3-2) finished on the same points as the returning Tom Edwards (Team BWR Yamaha, 2-3 #71) in Warwick, with the latter back in Supersport mode for the first time in five years after finishing second in the 2021 championship behind Broc Pearson.

In race one, McDonald weathered strong early pressure from Edwards to claim a dominant victory in the 13-lapper – cut short by one lap after a savage Glenn Nelson (Stop and Seal Yamaha #9) highside at turn six. Will Nassif (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #65) was another to go down. The pace was red-hot, with a new lap record set five times – twice by Edwards and three times by McDonald.

Mahaffy was a lonely third, while Simpson, Tom Bramich (Apex Yamaha #44), Nelson, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) and Jesus Torres Cabrera (Yamaha #11) all flashed over the finish line in quick succession to claim positions 4-8. Race two was also red-flagged after eight laps when Marcus Hamod (Honda #13) was flung over the bars – but not before McDonald lowered the lap record again to 1:14.338.

The race was restarted as a five-lap dash, with McDonald again having too much class as he made it a Sunday double ahead of Mahaffy, Edwards, Nelson, Simpson and Farnsworth.

Round Results

1. Archie Mcdonald – 51 Points
2. Jack Mahaffy – 38 Points
3. Tom Edwards – 38 Points
4. Olly Simpson – 33 Points
5. Hayden Nelson – 32 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 186 Points
2. Archie Mcdonald – 150 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 154 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 130 Points
5. Tom Bramich – 129 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300 and ShopYamaha R3 Cup

More sensational slicing and dicing in the Race and Road Supersport 300 class, with the combined winning margin across all three races a staggering 0.169 seconds! But in terms of race management and consistency, Scott Nicholson (#39) came to the fore again as he extended his lead in the championship to 57pts (229 to 182) over fellow Kawasaki rider Tara Morrison (#95).

Nicholson went 1-2-1 across the races, with John Pelgrave (Yamaha, 2-3-4 #43) and Tyler King (8-5-2 #128) second and third overall. Jake Paige (Kawasaki #55) was the other race winner, by a miniscule 0.004secs in race two, but then crashed out of the finale, as did fellow teen hard-charger Hudson Thompson (Yamaha #41). Thompson was third in race one, while Riley Nauta (Kawasaki #42) claimed the final podium position in race three. Paige is third in the standings on 170pts from Thompson (166).

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 229 Points
2. Tara Morrison – 182 Points
3. Jake Paige – 170 Points
4. Hudson Thompson – 166 Points
5. Jordy Simpson – 163 Points

ShopYamaha R3 Cup

In the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, Mitch Simpson’s (#66) lead is now just 13pts (146 to 133) over the rapidly improving Nikolas Lazos (#11) after the latter won the round courtesy of his 4-1-3 scorecard. Simpson was disqualified from the opener after a machine irregularity but then followed with 3-1 results to maintain his place at the pointy end of the ever-tightening leaderboard.

Thompson (1-2-7 #41) and Pelgrave (3-4-2 #43) were second and third overall at Morgan Park, while Phoenix O’Brien (#85) (second in race one) was the other rider to finish a race on the podium. Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 127pts #33) is third in the standings from Thompson (119) and Pelgrave (117).

The final round of the ShopYamaha Cup will be held at The Bend from November 7-9. Missing from the Supersport 300 and R3 Cup races at Morgan Park was leading light Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha #26), who injured his hand in qualifying and took no further part in proceedings.

Championship Points

1. Mitch Simpson – 146 Points
2. Nikolas Lazos – 133 Points
3. Jordy Simpson – 127 Points
4. Hudson Thompson – 119 Points
5. Jason Pelgrave – 117 Points

Superbike Masters

As expected, former Superbike ace Beau Beaton (Ducati 851 #86) took the Superbike Masters races at Morgan Park by the scruff of the neck, winning all three in a canter. Ben Burke (Honda VFR750, 3-3-2 #60) and Corey Glock (Honda RC30, 4-2-3 #98) were second and third overall, while Josh Mathers (Yamaha FZR1000 #777) was clearly the second fastest rider before his machine expired at the tail end of race two – his weekend prematurely over.

Can Beaton go through the season undefeated? He’s building an irresistible case, and we’ll get the definitive answer at The Bend in November.

Championship Points

1. Beau Beaton – 150 Points
2. Michael Berti Mendez – 101 Points
3. Phil Allen – 89 Points
4. Phillip Burke – 75 Points
5. Ben Burke – 56 Points

Oceania Junior Cup

Round three of the 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) was held at Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick (Qld) from June 13-15, with the FIM-backed circuit racing academy again delivering outstanding entertainment. Nineteen riders lined up around the tight and twisty 12-turn layout, with the light and sweet-handling Yamaha YZF-R15s ideally suited to the layout.

Connor Lewis (2-2-1 #77) and polesitter Chaz Williams (3-1-2 #18) were again the standouts, sharing the winning spoils as all three races went down to the wire between large groups of riders. Another highlight was Xavier Curmi’s (#82) first OJC victory, which came in race one when he moved up three spots on the final lap to greet the chequered flag in a jaw-dropping battle.

Curmi also moved up from sixth to equal fourth in the battle for OJC honours – an Australian Junior Road Race Championship – after his enterprising weekend. He’s on 124pts alongside Hunter Charlett (#73), with Williams leading on 178pts from Lewis (170) and Rossi McAdam (128 #61). McAdam can count himself unlucky in race two, leading onto the start-finish straight for the last time before being swallowed up by Williams and Lewis.

Strong performances were also put in at Morgan Park Raceway by the likes of Jai Strugnell (#99), Ghage Plowman (#27), Jed Louis (#56), Thomas Cameron (#23) and Ethan Pelgrave (#43). Round four of the 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup will be held at Phillip Island from September 6-7, alongside the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul.

Championship Points

1. Chaz Williams – 178 Points
2. Connor Lewis – 170 Points
3. Rossi McAdam – 128 Points
4. Xavi Curmi – 124 Points
5. Hunter Charlett – 124 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here…

The post ASBK Round Four | Josh Waters banishes Morgan Park demons appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....